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Family seeks closure in Jackson welder's death

The family of a Jackson welder beaten to death in 2012 is speaking out.

Jackson police said two men beat Fred Jackson at Tri-Miss Recycling in January 2012.

"It's been a hard, long year, you know. We're still grieving," said the victim's daughter, Sheila Hedrick.

Police said Jontez Garvis and David Thomas were caught on surveillance beating Jackson. Jackson died in March 2012, while the two men are awaiting trial in connection with his death.

On Sunday, Jackson's family said the victim's girlfriend, Susan Gould, didn’t show up for court last week. Gould is facing charges after Warren County detectives said she opened credit cards in Jackson's name and forged checks while he was in a coma.

Hedrick said she's worried by what the district attorney's office told her Friday.

"(They) told me Susan Gould did not show up at court for her arraignment, so the family is gathered here today because nobody knows where Susan's at," Hedrick said.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said his office has not received a warrant for Gould's arrest.

Hedrick said she's worried that there will be another tragic turn in the case of her father's death.

"We deserve some type of closure now, and she's out hiding. If people don’t help us find her, then she may get away with this for years," Hedrick said.

Investigators said Garvis and Thomas beat Jackson and stole his cell phone, $500 and a payroll check. The men are being held without bond in the Hinds County Jail.

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